Mauritania entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Nigerian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Mauritania, and you can apply for it online before you travel. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to have your documents ready and apply in advance.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaCitizens of Nigeria are eligible for Mauritania's eVisa; you must apply and receive approval before you travel. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an eVisa before arriving in Mauritania. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/). The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date, or you may be denied entry. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Nigerian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMauritanian border officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you will leave Mauritania before your visa expires. Proof of departure | Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Mauritania. | Required |
| Proof of fundsWhile not always requested, having proof of funds can help avoid issues at immigration. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your expenses during your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou may be asked to show this certificate at border control; without it, you could be denied entry or vaccinated on arrival. Required for travelers from Nigeria | Carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Nigeria is a yellow fever endemic country, and Mauritania requires proof of vaccination upon arrival. | Required |
| Travel insuranceHealthcare facilities in Mauritania are limited; insurance can protect you from high costs. Recommended coverage | Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency evacuation for the duration of your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't wait
eVisa processing can take up to a week or more. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress. Also, ensure your passport has 6 months validity — airlines may refuse boarding if it doesn't.
Yellow fever certificate required
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers from Nigeria. Carry your yellow card with you — you may be asked to show it at immigration.
Visa is not extendable
The eVisa is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended. Overstaying can lead to fines, detention, or deportation. Plan your exit date carefully.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Scan your passport bio page, take a digital photo, and have your hotel booking and flight itinerary ready. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page.
2
Complete the online application
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application form. Double-check all spellings and dates — they must match your passport exactly. Upload the required documents and pay the fee.
3
Wait for eVisa approval
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but can take longer. Monitor your email for the approval notification. You'll receive a PDF eVisa — print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone.
4
Travel to Mauritania
Fly into Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) or enter via land borders. At immigration, present your passport and printed eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport and note your entry date.
5
Respect the validity period
Your eVisa is typically valid for 30 days from entry. Keep track of your entry date — overstaying can result in fines or deportation. The visa is not extendable, so plan your exit accordingly.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, family)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of purpose
Cost$100–$200 (approx. 4,000–8,000 MRU)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; apply at embassy.
Multiple-entry visa (business)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost$150 (approx. 6,000 MRU)
For frequent travelers; requires invitation letter and company documentation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; processing takes 3-5 business days. | $60 (approx. 2,400 MRU) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at Nouakchott International Airport for some nationalities; check with Mauritanian embassy. | $60 (approx. 2,400 MRU) |
| Extension of stay (up to 30 days)Apply at the Police des Étrangers in Nouakchott before visa expiry. | $30 (approx. 1,200 MRU) |
| Exit fee (if applicable)Some airports may charge a departure tax; confirm with airline. | Included in airfare or $10 (approx. 400 MRU) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Mauritania
Transit visa required
Nigerian citizens transiting through Mauritania require a visa, even for airside transit. An eVisa is available for transit purposes.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration may be allowed to stay airside for up to 24 hours, but must hold a valid visa for the next destination.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; Nigeria is endemic, so certificate is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in southern areas; CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nouakchott
Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (Immigration)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard des Pêcheurs, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north; limited services.
Practical information for NG travellers
Country basics
CapitalNouakchott
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyMauritanian ouguiya (MRU)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 39.92 MRU
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,FTypes C (Europlug), E (French), and F (Schuko) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak times or if there are issues with your application. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel to be safe.
The fee is approximately $50 USD, but the exact amount is shown on the official eVisa website (https://www.evisa.mr/) when you apply. It's non-refundable, so make sure your application is correct before paying.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave the country before the 30-day validity period ends. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new eVisa, or check with Mauritanian immigration for other options.
Yes, Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, which includes Nigeria. Carry your yellow card with you — border officials may ask to see it.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all official entry points, including land borders. However, some land border crossings may have limited internet access, so having a printed copy of your eVisa is essential. Confirm with the border post in advance if possible.
If your application is rejected, you'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is non-refundable. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at the Mauritanian embassy in Abuja or Lagos.
No, the eVisa is single-entry. If you leave Mauritania and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.